Heinrich Böll Foundation Scholarships Documents Required 2026
Required Documents Checklist
- Updated curriculum vitae (CV)
- Motivation letter outlining academic and social goals, and reasons for applying
- Official academic transcripts and certificates (e.g., Bachelor's degree certificate, Master's degree certificate for PhD applicants)
- Proof of German language proficiency (B2 level or DSH II/DSH 2 certificate)
- Proof of admission or enrollment at a recognized German university (can be submitted later during the selection stages)
- Two academic or professional reference letters (expert report from a university lecturer and a personal reference on social commitment)
- Statement of political interests and social involvement
- Application form (available on the scholarship portal)
- For PhD applicants: Detailed research proposal (up to 10 pages), structured outline of the doctoral thesis, one-year research plan/timeline, and proof of acceptance to PhD studies at a state or state-recognized university in Germany.
DBT Bank Seeding Warning
Your primary bank account must be active, seeded with your Aadhaar card, and mapped on the NPCI mapper. The government disbursements are made exclusively via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
FAQs for Heinrich Böll Foundation Scholarships
Q.What are the application deadlines for the Heinrich Böll Foundation Scholarships?
The Heinrich Böll Foundation conducts two selection procedures per year. Applications can be submitted by March 1st or September 1st each year for the upcoming academic semesters. The online application portal usually opens approximately six weeks before these deadlines.
Q.Is German language proficiency a mandatory requirement for international applicants?
Yes, a good or very good knowledge of the German language is mandatory for international applicants. You must provide proof of German language proficiency at least at B2 level or DSH II (DSH 2).
Q.Does the scholarship cover tuition fees for studies in Germany?
Generally, tuition fees for studies at public universities in Germany are not covered as they are often minimal or non-existent. However, for international Master's students, in certain specific cases, there might be possible support for tuition fees in Germany up to €10,000 per year. For PhD students, tuition fees are typically not covered.
Q.Can international undergraduate students apply for this scholarship?
Generally, international students cannot apply for undergraduate scholarships. Applications for undergraduate degree programs are only open to German nationals or foreign students who obtained their higher education entrance qualification in Germany (Bildungsinländer). The scholarship primarily targets Master's and PhD students from outside Germany.